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As of July 29,2020, Portland residents have been protesting for 62 days, and Federal agents’ presence has increased. Even after local officials demanded that ‘Trumps Troops’ leave, more agents were deployed. However, this week removing these agents has been discussed.
Federal Agents Confused About Protests
According to The New York Times, federal troops are confused about the motives of protesters. They are questioning whether deploying troops was the right decision. Unfortunately, the leaders of agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have not expressed such concerns.
Further reports suggest that federal law enforcement always had the intention to deploy troops. The New York Times reports the deputy director of the FBI released a memo one month ago calling for protests to be declared a “national crisis.” Additionally, they believe that collecting social media information was essential to dispersing this “highly organized behavior.”
Has the Presence of Federal Agents Decrease Violence?
Originally, federal agents were placed in Portland in order to protect federal monuments. However, there have been multiple reports of agents targeting protesters who were not near federal properties. According to other reports, journalists and legal observers have been attacked.
As a result, tensions between protesters and federal law enforcement have escalated. In fact, protesters have begun throwing rocks, fireworks, and laser pointers in response to federal troops’ tear gas and unlawful arrests. Despite this information, Trump continues to boast that his troops are doing an amazing job. However, activists and local officials continue to say violence has spiked since troops arrived.
In an effort to push back against federal law enforcement, Portland Commissioner, Chloe Eudaly stated agents will be fined $500 every 15 minutes if they continue to block SW Third Avenue bike lane. So far she says the bill is $192,000. Activists like Najee Gow have spoken out against protesters using violence in response to federal agents. Still, some protesters continue to use violence in response to troop’s violence.
Trump Might Remove Troops
Local officials and the Trump administration disagree about whether or not federal force response was necessary. They have decided to put their differences aside and discuss the removal of federal troops. As exciting as this news may sound, it should be noted that they are in the early stages of talking, thus no agreement has been made officially.
Violence is not always the answer. However, protesters and citizens are justified in their anger and responses. For decades, Black people have been ignored and met with hostility from police officers and the federal government. So it is understandable why they have resorted to violence. When protesters marched peacefully, not only did the law use force, but they also did not get enough coverage. The events being broadcast on the news today is the result of years of trauma, neglect, and discrimination.
If the Trump administration, and the government in general, want these demonstrations to end— they need to make the necessary changes. They must Invest in Black is capitalized communities and treat people like human beings, instead of pawns in a chess game. Government officials need to actively listen to their citizens’ voices and bring about permanent change for the benefit of everyone.
Opinion News by Reginae Echols
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
The New York Times: From the Start, Federal Agents Demanded a Role in Suppressing Anti-Racism Protests
FOX NEWS: Fireworks proceed tear gas: Night 62 in Portland sees more clashes; Trump in talks to pull out federal officers
FOX NEWS: Fireworks proceed tear gas: Night 62 in Portland sees more clashes; Trump in talks to pull out federal officers
Featured Image Courtesy of Thomas Hawk’s Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Top Image Courtesy of Geoff Livingston’s Flickr Page-Creative Commons License